Airline trade group IATA has criticised Latin American governments for essentially leaving their airlines out to dry as the coronavirus devastates the industry in the region, questioning when the sector will return to its previous strength or even if individual carriers can survive the pandemic at all.

LATAM and Avianca are Latin America’s first carriers to file for bankruptcy protection amid the pandemic, but they are unlikely to be last considering the slow pace at which the region’s governments have implemented financial assistance programmes.

Emirates Airline president Tim Clark expects the coronavirus-related cash flow crisis will result in a significant number of order deferrals and cancellations as airlines wrestle with the size and shape of their fleets.

Willie Walsh, the chief executive of British Airways parent IAG, has disclosed that the group is considering legal action over the UK government’s mandatory two-week quarantine for travellers arriving in the country from 8 June.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) will allow more foreign carriers to fly into Mainland China, as it rolls out incentives for airlines based on passengers not testing positive for the coronavirus.

Congo Airways’ decision to swap orders for Embraer 175s to larger E190-E2s party reflects an effort by the company to expand on routes previously served by financially struggling competitor South African Airways (SAA).

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